Book Review: Searching for a Silver Lining by Miranda Dickinson

Miranda Dickinson is an author I discovered thanks to blogging and she soon became one of my favourite authors. So I'm over the moon today to be reviewing her latest book, which was released yesterday.

Matilda Bell is left heartbroken when she falls out with her beloved grandfather just before he dies. Haunted by regret, she makes a promise that will soon change everything...

When spirited former singing star Reenie Silver enters her life, Mattie seizes the opportunity to make amends. Together, Mattie and Reenie embark on an incredible journey that will find lost friends, uncover secrets from the glamorous 1950s and put right a sixty-year wrong.

Touchingly funny, warm and life-affirming, this is a sparkling story of second chances. Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Searching for a Silver Lining will take you on a trip you'll never forget.

Review: Searching for a Silver Lining is one of the warmest and best crafted stories I've read in a long time. The idea behind the story is original and unique, and the characters are interesting, lovable and most of all, memorable. The main character is Matilda Bell who after losing her grandfather is feeling a bit lost, especially after she fought with him just before his passing away. But she then meets Reenie Silver, an octogenarian like no other. She completely steals the show and it's impossible not to love her. She had quite a well-known group in the fifties and both Matilda and Reenie embark on an epic journey that will take them to every part of the country.

As I said, I found the idea for this story genius. The road trip around the UK is a veritable joy to read. With every stop you learn more and more about Reenie and her glamorous and eventful past, which I found fascinating. She had so many stories! I really felt like I was back with her in the fifties, going dancing in Soho. Plus, I think it worked really well with Matilda's own story and her grandfather's.

I've realised that every time I pick a book by Miranda Dickinson I end up feeling happier and really hopeful about the future. Her writing kind of brings the best out of me, with her life-affirming and touching stories, where you never give up, you keep fighting for a second chance. And Searching for a Silver Lining is no exception to the norm. After finishing it, I was left with a huge grin on my face (I even shed some happy tears).

I'm sure this story will warm many hearts and for a full fifties experience, I'd recommend reading it while listening to the songs you find at the beginning of every chapter. I completely forgot about everything else while reading this story.

Rating: 4,5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*